Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Thirsk, Worcester, Bath and Epsom Downs on 01 July 2026
THIRSK
Race 1 No2 KODIAK BREEZE (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Shane Gray
KODIAK BREEZE proved a well supported winner despite running green in the early stages of his second outing at Redcar. He had gained experience of this track when runner-up on debut and should now be fully tuned for this task under a 4lb penalty.
Race 2 No1 ARAPAHO GOLD
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Connor Beasley
ARAPAHO GOLD was backed to down an odds-on foe over 1000 metres here last month and made no mistake to score going away. This step up to 1200 should suit him, and he has the scope and potential to defy a 7lb penalty.
Race 3 No5 LORD D’OR
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: PJ McDonald
Palace Pier colt LORD D’OR was easy to back but made a pleasing return to the track to chase home the classy Portcullis at York. He kept on gamely to narrow the gap towards the finish and is going to be more fine tuned as he brings a very strong form line to the table.
WORCESTER
Race 1 No5 PIKE ROAD
Trainer: Martin Keightley – Jockey: Freddie Keightley
PIKE ROAD has found one to beat him in his visits here including in a long distance handicap hurdle won by Ebony Warrior earlier in the month. He valiantly tried to make all, and fought back well when headed to suggest he’s reaching his peak.
Race 3 No2 NEIGH BOTHA (Nap)
Trainer: Oliver Greenall – Jockey: Jack Tudor
NEIGH BOTHA should prove hard to beat in his quest to make this a fourth success in his last five outings. He wasn’t at his best on his last visit to this course but then turned the corner in a big way. He picked up to mount a sustained run to the line at Warwick last month and is in the mood to defy his new mark.
Race 4 No9 SHOW YOUR HAND
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
In a well contested race, hurdling debutant SHOW YOUR HAND could be the answer. He brings very good bumper form to the table, and if his jumping stands the test can stave off the challenges of TROUVILLE and FAITHFUL GUARDIAN.
BATH
Race 5 No1 POST RIDER
Trainer: Oliver Cole – Jockey: Lewis Edmunds
SWIPED will start at prohibitive odds and could make short work of his opponents but there’s a value element to POST RIDER on her third start of the season. The Postponed mare stepped up on her needed first run back to make a bold bid to lead throughout at Goodwood, and could benefit from similar enterprising tactics here.
Race 6 No7 CAMPEONA (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott – Jockey: Luke Morris
As you might expect from a horse from this stable making its first start in a handicap, CAMPEONA should benefit from a big step up the trip ladder. The Study Of Man filly was last seen running over an extended mile on the all-weather, but now switched to grass she could leave behind the form that saw her start as long as 150-1 at Wolverhampton.
EPSOM DOWNS
Race 2 No2 FOSCARINI (Each Way)
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton’s- Jockey: Charles Bishop
FOSCARNI wasn’t able to mount a telling blow on his Salisbury introduction but has learned something from that. He’s up against a bunch of horses that will start shorter than him, but in this move up to 1400 metres he can get into the shake-up.
Race 4 No2 Mr FREEDOM (Each Way)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: George Bass
MR FREEDOM is carded to start at a big double figure price which makes him a tempting proposition. The dual purpose performer wasn’t able at Goodwood to back up his excellent return from the injury list when third at Salisbury, but is worth another chance.
Race 5 No5 DOTTIES STAR (Each Way)
Trainer: Pat Phelan – Jockey: Paddy Bradley
DOTTIES STAR ranks a more speculative advice for this bottom grade staying handicap, which is her first run on grass in a Flat race in eight months. She underwhelmed when last seen on the Kempton Polytrack last month, but can do better, and needs considering.
